Attie Bronze Bracelet Currency, Based

A heavy bronze ring with a gap at the bottom and decorations all the way around.

This bracelet currency is Attie, from Akoupe village, Ivory Coast, West Africa, and dates to the 20th century, in bronze and alloy. It is mounted on a base. Across West Africa, heavy metal rings like this circulated as a store of value and a medium of exchange, and many were also worn as ornaments. This one is thick and rounded, with an open gap where the two ends nearly meet. Raised square panels punctuate the outer surface at intervals, and twisted rope borders run along both edges. A warm, worn patina covers it. It is 3.8 inches wide and 3.4 high.

Money that looks good on a shelf, which is more than most money manages.